Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, has formally written to governments and observers under the UN climate change process announcing her intention to step down from the post. The full text of the letters, which are available under the UNFCCC's Notifications to Parties and Observers, follows:

It is with deep gratitude to all of you that I write to formally announce that I will serve out my term as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which finishes on July 6, 2016, and not accept an extension of my appointment. The Paris Agreement is a historical achievement, built on years of increasing willingness to construct bridges of collaboration and solidarity. It has been an honor to support you along this path over the past six years.

We now move into a phase of urgent implementation. The journey that lies ahead will require continued determination, ingenuity and, above all, our collective sense of humanity and purpose. I know that together you will again rise to the task.

The Secretary-General will soon initiate the search for the next Executive Secretary by inviting all Parties to submit candidates. In consultation with the UNFCCC Bureau, and in recognition of the political significance of climate change as well as the scope of the responsibilities of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, the Secretary-General has decided to elevate the post of the Executive Secretary to the level of Under Secretary General.

Finally my gratitude goes to the UNFCCC secretariat. I am continuously inspired by this top performing organization, by its highly qualified and deeply committed team. Their competence, impartiality and dedication is no small part of the remarkable outcomes of Paris.